Citizen involvement is key to building a stronger Marshfield

By Steve Barg

City Administrator

Have you ever heard the expression that “Two heads are better than one?” At Marshfield City Hall, our motto is the more people who get involved with city government, the better off we all are as new ideas and different ways of thinking often produce great opportunities for growth and a stronger community.

In April, Mayor Chris Meyer will seek to appoint citizens to a wide variety of committees, commissions, and boards that perform the majority of the legwork for the city. These advisory bodies offer average, everyday residents the chance use their knowledge, experience, and interest, and in doing so, they serve to make Marshfield an even better place to live, work, and play.

You may be wondering whether you have what it takes to be an effective contributor to one of these committees. Please know that the two most important traits that we look for are a desire to serve your community and a willingness to learn.

Like reviewing a restaurant menu, a glance at the many committees, commissions, and boards available in the city of Marshfield provides a smorgasbord of choices for your consideration. Here are just a few examples.

Are you interested in maintaining and enhancing our community’s rich heritage? If so, maybe the Historic Preservation Committee is for you.

Perhaps you are interested in preserving and improving our parks, trails, and other recreation options. The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Committee could benefit from your input.

Do you have interest in senior issues and concerns? The Committee on Aging works on behalf of the betterment of these citizens. In addition, we have a Library Board, Police & Fire Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Cable TV Committee, and many other groups just waiting for someone like you to step in and contribute. Most of these committees meet just once per month and a few even less frequently, so your time commitment is limited.

Often when I talk with friends, neighbors, and other residents, they wonder how our mayor and council members are so knowledgeable and well informed that they can make the important decisions for the city of Marshfield, especially when these elected offices are just part-time positions.

What they do not immediately see is the excellent support provided by the countless volunteers who give of their time and talents to “bake” the issues and bring forth outstanding ideas and suggestions for their review and consideration. We are very blessed at City Hall to have such wonderful citizens willing to serve their community, but as you can imagine, over time, these volunteers move on to other pursuits, and we are regularly in need of additional residents to join us and to provide that important “new blood” to these groups.

Please consider volunteering to serve on one of our committees, commissions, or boards. Feel free to contact me at 715-486-2003 or [email protected] if you are interested or if you would like more information. Thank you very much.